Believe in Me Scholarships
Meet the 2026
Believe in Me
Scholarship
Recipients
Nine students received $50,000 in 2026 scholarship support. Meet the recipients and see how donors, volunteers, and community partners can help future students keep moving toward college, career, trade, and certificate pathways.
Nine students. One community of support.
Believe in Me awarded $50,000 in scholarship support to nine 2026 recipients. These students are pursuing college and career pathways with community-backed encouragement behind them. Donors and volunteers can help keep that same steady support available for future students.
Community support makes the next step feel possible
Believe in Me’s work spans birth through age 24 and is rooted in youth empowerment, scholarships, mentorship, essential support, and community partnerships. Scholarship support is one expression of that wider work.
“Help every kid develop the self-confidence they need to succeed.”
Believe in Me vision
When donors give and volunteers share their expertise, students receive more than a transaction. They receive a sign that people in their community are willing to invest in their future.
The Five Pillars Behind the Work
Scholarship support sits within Believe in Me’s wider youth empowerment model: Basic Human Needs, Love & Belonging, Community Support, Education, and Enrichment.
Basic Human Needs
Practical support that helps young people meet essential needs.
Love & Belonging
Relationships and connection that help young people feel seen.
Community Support
Partnerships that reduce barriers and widen opportunity.
Education
Learning pathways, scholarships, and future-ready support.
Enrichment
Experiences that invite confidence, creativity, and discovery.
Why scholarship support matters
Current research and public data point to a consistent reality: financial aid can help, and students still face barriers that require practical, timely support.
Costs continue to matter
College Board reported that average published tuition and fees for 2025-26 increased at both public four-year and private nonprofit four-year institutions before grant aid is considered. College Board
Aid does not erase every barrier
Washington’s WA Grant is a vital need-based aid program, and students may still face remaining costs for books, housing, food, transportation, timing gaps, and program-specific expenses. WSAC
Opportunity gaps start early
National Student Clearinghouse reporting shows high school poverty level remains strongly associated with immediate college enrollment outcomes. The finding is an association, not proof that one factor alone causes the gap. NSC Research Center
Targeted aid can help
A randomized study by Joshua Angrist, David Autor, and Amanda Pallais found that comprehensive merit aid increased bachelor’s degree completion for low-income, minority, and first-generation applicants in that study population. MIT Department of Economics
Your Support Becomes Practical Help
The 2026 scholarships translate community generosity into immediate support students can use as they continue their education.
2026 scholarship recipients
Total scholarship support
Campuses represented
Ways to help: donate or volunteer
Meet the 2026 Recipients
Please join us in celebrating this year’s Believe in Me scholarship recipients and the goals they are carrying forward.
Alima Tambwe
Biology pre-med track
Alima is continuing her third year studying biology on a pre-med track, with intended minors in psychology and chemistry. She is also preparing for a spring study abroad program in Trinidad and Tobago.
Alina L Castro De Jesus
Whitman College
Alina is pursuing her next chapter at Whitman College.
Axel Hernandez Galvez
Pacific Lutheran University
Axel is pursuing his education at Pacific Lutheran University.
Bryan Chel Lara
Gonzaga University
Bryan completed Intermediate Accounting I and II, earned Dean’s List honors both semesters, served as a BRIDGE Peer Mentor, and accepted a Seattle internship connected to advisory and wealth management. “Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.”
Kimberly Gisela Goldstein
Southern Oregon University
Kimberly is pursuing her studies at Southern Oregon University. “This scholarship means the world to me since it allows me to continue with my studies. I’m so thankful to those who make this possible. Because of this money, I’m able to focus more and give my all to my education.”
Lileah Lonna Sommer
Western Washington University
Lileah is pursuing her education at Western Washington University.
Lily Firuz Arntsen
Western Washington University
Lily is pursuing her education at Western Washington University.
Mawi Auren Santos Basco
University of Washington
Mawi is pursuing his education at the University of Washington.
Naomi Vega-Sanchez
Seattle Pacific University
Naomi is pursuing her education at Seattle Pacific University. “For me this scholarship means less financial burden to be able to focus more on my academics and future career goals.”
Help the next student say yes
The 2026 awards are complete, but the need for community-backed youth empowerment continues. Donors can help keep scholarship funding available for future students. Volunteers and community partners can bring time, expertise, encouragement, and relationships that strengthen the network around young people.
When you give or volunteer, you help create more moments like this one: a student seeing a path forward and knowing they are not walking it alone.
Scholarship Support FAQ
Sources
- Believe in Me. “Scholarships.” Current scholarship eligibility, timing, and program context. Read source.
- Believe in Me scholarship application and review records. 2026 recipient list, approved application details, student quotes, schools, and total scholarship support, reviewed Sept. 25, 2026.
- College Board. “Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025.” Published 2025. Read source.
- Washington Student Achievement Council. “WA Grant Eligibility & Awards.” Current 2026-27 award information. Read source.
- Washington Student Achievement Council. “Fall 2025 Enrollment Brief.” Published 2026. Read source.
- National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. “Poverty Level Remains Driving Factor in Postsecondary Outcomes.” Sept. 21, 2026. Read source.
- Postsecondary National Policy Institute. “First Generation Students in Higher Education.” Updated January 2026. Read source.
- Joshua Angrist, David Autor, and Amanda Pallais. “Marginal Effects of Merit Aid for Low-Income Students.” MIT Department of Economics, 2022. Read source.